Axial turbine flow path design for concentrated solar power plants operating with CO2 blends

• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.120612
• Publication Date: 2023-04-26T16:49:38Z
• Authors: Salma I. Salah; Francesco Crespi; Martin T. White; Antonio Muñoz; Andrea Paggini; Marco Ruggiero; David Sánchez; Abdulnaser I. Sayma
• Keywords: Working fluid; Ram air turbine

The utilisation of certain blends based on supercritical CO2 (sCO2), namely CO2/TiCl4, CO2/C6 F6 and CO2/SO2, have been found to be promising for enhancing the performance power cycles Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) applications; allowing up a 6% enhancement in cycle efficiency with respect simple recuperated cycle, depending upon nature used blend configuration choice. This paper presents an investigation impact adopting these sCO2-based flow path design multi-stage axial turbine whilst accounting aerodynamic, mechanical rotordynamic considerations. includes assessing sensitivity selected working fluid imposed optimal conditions. Ultimately, this study aims provide first indication that high-efficiency can achieved large-scale operating non-conventional fluids producing excess 120 MW. To achieve aim, mean-line aerodynamic is integrated constraints, specified industrial experience, ensure technically feasible solutions maximum efficiency. Different designs produced three sCO2 under different boundary Specifically, paths obtained configurations at five molar fractions two inlet pressure temperature levels 250 & 350 bar 550 700 °C respectively. A total-to-total 92% was achieved, which considered future plants. highest efficiencies are large number stages, corresponding reduced hub diameters due need fixed synchronous rotational speed. stages contrary existing designs, but it increase from 4 14 by around 5%. preliminary cost analysis results, were financially compared small stages.